Captain Archit Gupta Soaring to New Heights with Atom Aviation

Captain Archit Gupta childhood dream was simple yet profound: to fly an aircraft. His unwavering conviction fuelled his ambition to become a pilot and live out his dreams. With a determination to turn this dream into reality, he took a loan of Rs 20 lakh to pursue flight training in the Philippines. Upon completing his training and obtaining his degree, Archit embarked on his journey back to India, brimming with excitement and a singular focus: securing a job that would allow him to pursue his passion. Archit completed his training in 2010, a time when the world was reeling from the economic recession of 2009. The aviation sector, like many others, was hit hard. There were no job opportunities for aspiring pilots, and the bleak scenario persisted for several years.

Despite these challenging times, Archit remained resolute. After two years of relentless effort, he secured a position at the Welspun Group, managing ground operations for their private jet. Later, he joined the Zee Group as the head of operations in the aviation department. While he earned a monthly income of Rs 15,000, it was insufficient to clear his debts. The aviation sector continued to struggle, with even major players like Kingfisher shutting down in 2013, leaving many jobless. Frustrated with the prevailing circumstances, Archit decided to embark on an entrepreneurial journey. He initially ventured into crafting handmade chocolates but faced challenges due to the lack of assistance and the need for ongoing investment. His entrepreneurial spirit, however, remained undaunted.

Taking Flight with Atom Aviation:

In 2015, Archit conceptualized a business idea that would allow him to tap into his passion for aviation. He founded Atom Aviation Services Pvt Ltd in New Delhi, aiming to rent out private jets, air ambulances, and helicopters. This venture, which began as a solo effort, was fuelled by Archit’s savings, allowing him to lease aircraft from aviation companies without taking external loans. Archit’s determination bore fruit when he received his first order for an air ambulance within 24 hours of launching his company. This early success propelled him to pursue his vision further. In 2017, Atom Aviation expanded its operations to include the manufacturing of drones at its Dwarka facility, importing raw materials from China.

Atom Aviation’s services range from transporting live organs and critically ill patients via air ambulance to providing helicopters and private aircraft to celebrities, politicians, and business magnates. In addition, the company leverages drones for various purposes, such as inspection, aerial mapping for engineering projects, and pesticide spraying on farms.

Training Tomorrow’s Aviators:

By 2018, Archit took a significant step by acquiring a Fixed Base simulator from Airbus to train pilots. Recognizing the gap between students completing their training abroad and securing employment, he introduced this simulator, costing Rs 50 lakh, to provide practical training upon their return to India. This initiative proved invaluable, enabling Atom Aviation to train over 800 pilots annually, many of whom are subsequently recruited by various airlines.

Atom Aviation is set on a trajectory of growth and innovation, with plans to reduce its dependence on imports by manufacturing all drone components at its Dwarka facility. This move not only enhances data security but also contributes to the company’s mission of self-reliance.

In recent times, Atom Aviation demonstrated its commitment to community welfare by using advanced disinfectant drones to sanitize the entire area of the Nizamuddin Markaz congregation in Delhi during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Captain Archit Gupta’s journey—from fulfilling his childhood dream of becoming a pilot to pioneering aviation services and drone manufacturing—is a testament to his resilience, determination, and unwavering pursuit of his passion for aviation. Atom Aviation is not only carving a niche in the aviation industry but also playing a vital role in training the aviators of tomorrow and contributing to community well-being in times of crisis.